[Rappler Kids] Safety online

MANILA, Philippines – Admit [it]: some of us have been cyber bullied.

The Internet is open to everyone. Some of us forget the importance of safety online.

Most of us try to keep a low profile but the [bad] people can find out about us.

So here are some of my own rules for me and my family (sic) to avoid being bullied:

1) On usernames

Usernames are the first step to [finding] an account.

People may sometimes already know things about you just through your username, like a username on Instagram: “iam_exraordinharry_103.” 

From this, people may already know that this person is a Directioner (Ed’s note: Fan of British boyband One Direction – KLM) because of the username, but they don’t know the person’s real identity.

So to keep people from knowing who you are, DON’T ever use your real name. Be more creative — and safe.

Remember: Your username may reveal your identity and can be used in cyber bullying. Protect yourself.

2) On chat boxes

Chat boxes are “places” to chat in and create topics to chat about, as well make new friends.

When we chat, sometimes we forget that the people we chat with are real people with real feelings, so we tend to say bad things.

We only remember [too late] that these are real people when we have pressed “enter,” and realize that they may fight back.

So treat people the way you want them to treat you. 

Remember: If you are being insulted, keep calm and tell your parents. Don’t insult back.

3) On blogs

Blogs are good platforms for photos, posts and journal entries, but may I remind you that your blog may be public, unless you fix settings so that only your friends may read what you have written.

When starting or writing a blog, blog about something that you really know is correct or factual; or you might end up making rumors about people. 

Remember: Rumors can backfire. Only write about real or true things, specially if about people.

– Rappler.com 

10-year-old Clarisse likes to write fan fiction. She also likes sports. She currently has an obsession with boy band One Direction and is known by other fans as “Little Mrs. Horan.” Clarisse also has a website called The Girl Who Sparked a Change where she has interviewed Rappler contributor and Save Philippine Seas “chief mermaid,” Anna Oposa.

What is your kid into? Rappler welcomes contributions from kids, for kids. Send us your child’s artwork, poetry, short story or even YouTube video to desk@rappler.com with subject heading RAPPLER KIDS.